thursday, october 20, 2011

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‹› house and home ‹›

"what's the most important aspect of building a home?" one apprentice asked of Hestia, the Master Architect. 

"are you speaking of building a home, or a house?" she replied. "is there a difference, honored teacher?" returned the apprentice.

"well, a house is an edifice" answered Hestia, "whereas a home is a state of being, although there are certainly similarities.  in both, for instance, whether built on the earth or in the clouds, it is vitally important to begin with a strong, solid foundation that will support the timber or stone of your construction and endure the elements of life. from there, a house is built of singular parts that meld together harmoniously; the same is true of a home, but while a house is made from tangible elements, a home is made from ethereal but no less vital substance. love, support, understanding and compassion are some of the elements that become the essence of a home, just as wood, stone and mortar can become the essence of a house. both house and home, need to be welcoming, secure, and stable; a place where one may be nurtured and replenished by the fire in the hearth, or the warmth of the center of the home.

know this: you can build a home without a house, for the home within is the most vital aspect of a complete and gratifying life. begin with the foundation of a centered and open universal love, the essence of the divine creation. build from there with a compassionate nature warmed with forgiveness and understanding. open your home, with your heart, and gather the blessings of joy and enjoyment into you. allow no negativity to cross the threshold of your home, and it will always be comforting and safe. build with the truest ingredients, and you will be rewarded with a true home ~ a place to relieve the trials of living, and to recount the pleasures of life. build your home inside of yourself first, and it always will be with you, in whatever house you may live, wherever it may be.... in building a house the hope is that it will ultimately contain a home, as the body contains a spirit; in building a home the hope is that it will ultimately contain a spirit that lifts the inhabitant to the veritable heaven on earth, and endure forever."

Hestia glanced around at her apprentices who were deep in thought, and finished: "so, the most important aspect of building a home is you. your internal design and attitude determine the ultimate place you call home. may it be full of love, hope and generosity. let us begin designing our homes now...."

blessings of hearth and home

saxz

∞